Reference : H-1-1-7

Name of creator(s) : Lucien and Jane Hanks

Scope and content : Many of the overseas Chinese who have emigrated to Southeast Asia married and settled down in the new country, only perhaps returning to China towards to end of their lives. With emigration a typically male phenomenon, many Chinese emigrants have married local women, thereby expediting assimilation. However, a combination of Chinese pride in their ancient culture and hostility among the indigenous inhabitants has meant that assimilation has not always been smooth, and this problem has become acute with the rise of nationalism. As a result, many overseas Chinese, even several generations down the line, still retain their Chinese customs and behavior. The economic role of the overseas Chinese is the key to their political importance, filling as they do the gap between the indigenous high government officials and native peasants. The oldest group of overseas Chinese are the Yunnanese Chinese Muslims known as “Haw”. Yunnanese Chinese, a remnant of the Kuomintang army, now live in the northern border region of Thailand.

Extent and medium : Typescript